Sussex residents celebrated in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Julie Walters was in the elephant area in the middle of Swan Walk, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR1520041 SUS-150819-152332001

Published:22:30Friday 16 June 2017

Julie Walters and Billy Connolly are among dozens of Sussex residents who have been celebrated in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Ms Walters, who lives near Plaistow, has been made a Dame for her services to drama while Mr Connolly, who owns a home near Hailsham, has been given a knighthood.

They join 26 others from across the county who have all been recognised for their hard work and contributions to the community.

Victoria Chalmers, of Haywards Heath, was honoured with an MBE for her work with children.

The 61-year-old set up Time 4 Children in 2005 and has helped hundreds of youngsters across Mid Sussex with their emotional wellbeing.

She said: “It is really quite humbling. It has made me think about all the work I have done and I definitely feel proud as I started Time 4 Children from scratch.”

Henfield resident David Sayers, 85, has been awarded a BEM for his 65 years of service to Henfield Evangelical Free Church.

He said: “When you do all this work and help out, you don’t think about the rewards or recognition you will get for it. You just do it to help out.

“I have lived in Henfield for all 85 years of my life and thoroughly enjoyed helping out.”

Long serving Pagham parish councillor Raymond Radmall has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

Mr Radmall has been parish chairman for more than 20 years and was praised for having spent ‘much of his life dedicated to the community’.

Nationally PC Keith Palmer, the policeman who was killed confronting an attacked outside Westminster, has been awarded the George Medal for his bravery.

Bernard Kenny, the heroic passer-by who was stabbed trying to protect MP Jo Cox, has also been given a medal for bravery.

Comedian David Walliams and musician Ed Sheeran are among the other high profile names to receive honours while Oscar winning actress Olivia de Havilland, who is set to turn 101 next month, will become the oldest woman to be made a Dame.

The full list of all Sussex residents honoured is below:

Knights Bachelor

- William (Billy) Connolly, CBE. For services to entertainment and charity.